Review: Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson

Title: Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History
Author: Erik Larson
Publisher: Vintage (first published 1999)
Publication Date: July 11, 2000
Edition: Paperback (323 pages)
Genres:

• Nonfiction
• Biography
• History
• Science

Literary Awards:

• Book Sense Book of the Year Honor Book for Adult (2000)

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


1900 was a time of great technical progress and exploration in the world. In the United States, meteorology was beginning to come into its own with the ability to predict weather conditions with greater accuracy. Confidence and perhaps arrogance was mixed together with great optimism for the future. On September 8, 1900, a devastating hurricane overran Galveston, Texas. Isaac Cline, resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau, had experienced some ominous feelings concerning the coming storm, but even he did not recognize the horrific nature of it, and the loss of life and property associated with it. Over 6,000 people died, and the town was almost completely destroyed.

Erik Larson presents this tale taken from historical records, diaries and letters of many involved. I have read this book, previously, but, even so, I was again riveted by the description of the events leading up to the hurricane, the storm itself, and its aftermath. A great read for anyone wanting to experience history and for anyone who simply wants to read a great story.